Environmental issues in Moldova

The economic crisis in the country reached its peak in 1999. and ever since, Moldova has been recovering, however, in 2005. in still had the lowest GDP among European countries.

The environment of Moldova suffered extreme degradation during the Soviet period, when industrial and agricultural development proceeded without regard for environmental protection. Excessive use of pesticides resulted in heavily polluted topsoil, and industries lacked emission controls. The Moldovan government is now burdened with the Soviet legacy of ecological mismanagement. Environmental initiatives are administered by the State Department for Environmental Protection. High levels of pesticide and fertilizer use have been linked with elevated rates of disease and infant mortality. Soil contamination and groundwater pollution are associated problems.

Agriculture in Moldova is a dominant but not very profitable activity. It is contributing soil erosion, which is a major problem in the country, while fertility of the soil is in constant decline. Economic crisis, like in other countries in transition, had a positive effect, in a form of decrease of pesticide and artificial fertilizers using.

Forests cover only 11% of the territory. The state is making efforts to increase forest covered areas, which would improve land and soil quality and protection.

Industrial production increased since 1998 for about 30%. There are still insufficient data on effects of industry on environment
Tradition as it was for ex soviet republics, industry waste waters have been discharged without any treatment whatsoever. In Moldova, main industry is food, beverage and tobacco production, which are also major energy consumers, followed by paper and cardboard, furniture and leather industry, as well as heavy machinery.